Grad From Your Pad Celebrates a record 2,300 Trent Graduates

 To honour more than 2,300 new graduates – Trent’s largest graduating class – the University held three virtual Grad From Your Pad celebrations on Saturday, June 12, featuring celebratory “I Did It” moments from grads as well as inspirational speeches from Trent leaders and honorary degree recipients in full regalia.

“The completion of a university degree is a monumental accomplishment – one that deserves celebration, some reflection and some well-earned compliments,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Our virtual Grad From Your Pad event is an opportunity for the whole Trent community to pay tribute to our newest graduates whether they are joining us from around the corner, from another province, or from elsewhere around the globe.”

Grad From Your Pad featured messages of congratulations from Trent dignitaries including President Groarke; Chancellor Stephen Stohn; provost and vice-president Academic, Dr. Michael Khan, and Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA.

The University celebrated over 2,300 members of the 2021 graduating class, with 1,890 undergraduate and 245 graduate students in Peterborough, and a record 283 from Trent Durham.

This year, degrees were conferred upon the first ever graduates in seven programs: Trent’s Indigenous Bachelor of Education, Conservation Biology, Trent/Swansea Dual Degree Law & Arts/Law & Business, Forensic Biology and Circumpolar Studies Diploma, as well as graduate diplomas in Bio-environmental Monitoring & Assessment and Educational & Community Leadership.

Several of Trent University’s most accomplished students were also graduating, having received prestigious awards:

- The Governor General’s Gold Medal for highest academic standing in graduate programs awarded to Katharine Viscardis, Ph.D. in Canadian Studies. The Governor General’s Silver Medal, presented to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing, awarded to Stephanie Dagg in Psychology.

- The President's Medal, established in 2009, awarded to three graduate students who achieved academic excellence in several degree programs: Elisha Ieshontenhawe King, (M.A. Sustainability Studies); Ainsely Lewis, (Ph.D. Environmental and Life Sciences); and Emily Storfie, (M.Sc. in Environmental and Life Sciences).

- The Symons Medal, established in 1972 in honour of Trent’s founding president T.H.B. Symons, awarded to four undergraduate students in the Honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: (Nathan) Alexander Baron (English Literature & History); Gillian Forbes (Economics & Anthropology); Haley Gilchrist (Mathematics); and Emma McGinnis (Biomedical Science)

- The Bagnani Medal, established in 1986 to honour the late founding faculty member Professor Gilbert Bagnani, awarded to two students in the General program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Nikisha Thapar (Gender and Social Justice); and James Dobbie (Psychology).

- The Muldoon Medal, established in honour of Joe Muldoon, a long-time Trent employee who served as head of Trent University Durham from 2013-19, awarded to two graduating Trent Durham students (General and Honours) who achieved high academic standing: Emma Johnston (Business Administration); and Sarah Squires (Communications).

Five outstanding individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society were recognized as the University’s 2020/21 honorary degree recipients – Trent’s highest honour. Recipients included: Lisa LaFlamme, trailblazer for women in broadcasting; Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, scientist, innovator and CEO of MaRS Discovery District; accomplished leader and activist, Mobeenuddin (Mobeen) Hasan Khaja; visionary conservation leader, Ronald Reid; as well as celebrated Olympian, and Indigenous and human rights advocate, Waneek Horn-Miller.

Missed the live events? Watch all three ceremonies on demand.